Quoting The Cats Meow Mix,
To Dr. JBHL...
I have epilepsy... and now have MS. Is it possible to donate organs with MS since it is an immune system disorder. I would think not... what do you think. I am also the Universal Donor with O+ blood but am told I can't donate with all the seizure drugs I have to take. I recently wanted to try to be tested for a BMT but was also told no. I understand because of the MS. I wouldn't want her getting Graft vs. Host disease. I feel so bad that I cannot donate at least blood since I am the Universal Donor. I would like to donate my organs at least. With the MS can they be used? Is it possible?
The Cats Meow Mix
People who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis cannot give blood. This is a blanket ban that applies to 'chronic conditions of unknown etiology' and includes a range of other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
People with MS also cannot donate bone marrow. To join the NHS Blood and Transplantation Marrow Registry you have to be a registered blood donor. Although being a blood donor is not a requirement when registering with the Anthony Nolan Trust - a charity that finds bone marrow donors for people with leukemia and blood disorders - MS is also one of the excluded conditions on this register.
People with MS can be considered as organ donors.
The reasoning behind this distinction is based on the fact that the cause of MS is currently unknown. Until there is evidence to prove otherwise, it is considered sensible to avoid donations from people with MS when there may be something in the blood that is a contributing factor to developing the condition.
As an organ transplant requires the consent of the recipient, they can be informed of any potential risks before they make their decision. The availability of organs is also limited and so any potential risks are weighed against the the consequences of not proceeding with the operation.
In comparison, it is not possible to identify a donor at the point when the blood is being used, so any potential risks have to be screened out at the point of donation.
Hope this helps answer your question. 
